EP0789239A1 - Olfactory sensor identification system and method - Google Patents
Olfactory sensor identification system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0789239A1 EP0789239A1 EP97300704A EP97300704A EP0789239A1 EP 0789239 A1 EP0789239 A1 EP 0789239A1 EP 97300704 A EP97300704 A EP 97300704A EP 97300704 A EP97300704 A EP 97300704A EP 0789239 A1 EP0789239 A1 EP 0789239A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- sensor
- aroma
- array
- identified
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0011—Sample conditioning
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
- G01N33/0031—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector comprising two or more sensors, e.g. a sensor array
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0006—Calibrating gas analysers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to artificial olfactory systems that use gas sensor arrays to identify an object by the odour emitted by that object. More specifically, the present invention relates to artificial olfactory systems and methods that receive air from around an object to be identified and direct the air to a gas sensor array, thereby enabling the system to identify a variety of different objects.
- Artificial olfactory systems utilize an array of gas sensors to detect the concentration of various gases being emitted by an object or composition.
- the aroma or scent of an item is typically unique to that item and serves as an olfactory fingerprint that can be used to identify that item.
- the aroma of an item is comprised of various gases mixed together in a unique combination. By exposing the aroma of an item to a gas sensor array, the concentrations of the various gases comprising the aroma can be quantified. By matching the detected gas concentrations to known standard models, the item can be identified.
- artificial olfactory systems are commercially available.
- the three largest manufacturers of such systems are Neotronics of Hertfordshire, Great Britain, ALPHA M.O.S., Inc. of DeMotte, Indiana and Aromascan Inc. of Hollis, New Hampshire.
- Commercial artificial olfactory systems are widely used by industry to provide quantifiable quality control parameters to aromatic products.
- artificial olfactory systems are used by industry to identify if one batch of perfume smells the same as previous lots or if cheese has aged to the proper degree. With items such as perfume, wine and cheese that have strong aromas, the human nose is typically not sensitive enough to detect minor anomalies in the aromas from day to day.
- Another application for an artificial olfactory system with a rapid response time would be at airport baggage inspection stations. At such inspection stations, pieces of luggage could be inspected by their aroma, thereby providing a means of detecting illegal drugs, explosives or other contraband. In such an application, the olfactory inspection would have to be complete in a matter of seconds for each piece of luggage.
- an object identification device characterized by a chamber that is positionable proximate an object to be identified, wherein the object has an aroma with a given composition; an array of sensors disposed within said chamber, wherein said array of sensors produces a humidity dependent sensor pattern for the aroma exposed to said array of sensors within said chamber that identifies at least some of the given composition of the aroma; negative pressure means, coupled to said chamber, for lowering pressure within said chamber and causing air to be drawn into said chamber past the object to be identified, wherein the air drawn into said chamber carries the aroma of the object to be identified and exposes the aroma to said array of sensors for analysis; a humidity sensor, disposed within said chamber, for measuring the humidity in said chamber while said humidity dependent sensor pattern is being produced; and a pattern recognition system, coupled to said humidity sensor, for identifying said humidity dependent sensor pattern produced by said array of sensors in said chamber at a measured humidity level, thereby accurately identifying the aroma.
- a method of identifying an object by its aroma characterized by the steps of positioning the object to be identified proximate a chamber containing a sensor array; lowering air pressure within said chamber during a test period so that the aroma of the object to be identified is drawn into said chamber; producing a sensor pattern for the aroma using said sensor array, wherein said sensor pattern is humidity dependent; measuring humidity in said chamber during said test period; and matching said sensor pattern to a known sensor pattern at the measured humidity, thereby identifying the object.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating both the components of an artificial olfactory device and its method of operation.
- the present invention artificial olfactory system and method can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as detecting drugs or explosives in luggage or packages, the present invention system and method are particularly well suited for use in identifying produce at a cashier's counter. Accordingly, the present invention artificial olfactory system and method will be described in an application involving a cashier's counter as the exemplary embodiment.
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention artificial olfactory system 10 is shown containing a produce scan surface 12.
- the produce scan surface 12 is preferably positioned at the cashier's station and may be either an independent unit or may be built into the cashier's counter, as are traditional bar code scanners.
- the produce scan surface 12 covers a sensor interaction chamber 14, in which is disposed at least one sensor array 16.
- the produce scan surface 12 is perforated, thereby enabling the aroma of a piece of produce 13 placed on the produce scan surface 12 to be drawn into the sensor interaction chamber 14, as will later be explained.
- a negative pressure source 18 is connected to the sensor interaction chamber 14, wherein the negative pressure source 18 is selectively isolated from the air within the sensor interaction chamber 14 by a control valve 20.
- negative pressure as utilized herein, generally represents a pressure below that of ambient pressure.
- the negative pressure source 18 draws the air out of the sensor interaction chamber 14, thereby producing a negative pressure within the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- the negative pressure within the sensor interaction chamber 14 causes air to flow into the sensor interaction chamber 14, past the produce 13 and through the apertures 22 in the produce scan surface 12.
- the aroma of the produce 13 on the produce scan surface 12 is actively drawn into the sensor interaction chamber 14, wherein the drawn air is received by the sensor array 16.
- the artificial olfactory system 10 in essence sniffs the produce 13 to optimize the sampling of the aroma by the sensor array 16 in a highly time efficient manner.
- the sensor array 16 experiences a concentration of aroma that would take minutes to obtain by a prior art artificial olfactory system where no air flow is provided.
- the sensor interaction chamber 14 can be positioned at any point above, below or to the side of the produce 13 being tested, provided the air drawn into the sensor interaction chamber 14 is drawn past the produce 13.
- the sensor array 16 is positioned below the produce 13. In such an orientation, it is highly desirable to protect the sensor array 16 from debris, condensate, juices or other contaminants that may fall from the produce 13.
- a contaminant shield 25 is provided within the sensor interaction chamber 14 that protects the sensor array 16 from any contaminants that may fall through the apertures 22 in the produce scan surface 12.
- the contaminant shield 25 is disposed between the sensor array 16 and the produce scan surface 12, preventing falling debris from contacting the sensor array 16.
- the containment shield 25 also acts as an air flow baffle, helping to mix the incoming air and direct the incoming air toward the sensor array 16.
- the contaminant shield 25 should be easily removable or accessible to enable a person to periodically clean the contaminant shield 25 and keep the contaminant shield 25 odour free.
- an aperture block mechanism 24 can also be optionally provided.
- the aperture block mechanism 24 can be any mechanism capable of selectively obstructing the apertures 22 in the produce scan surface 12, thereby isolating the sensor array 16 within the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- the aperture block mechanism 24 includes a motor control 26, wherein the operation of the motor control 26 causes the aperture block mechanism 24 to selectively open and close. When the aperture block mechanism 24 is open, air from around the produce 13 is capable of being drawn into the sensor interaction chamber 14. Conversely, when the aperture block mechanism 24 is closed, the contents of the sensor interaction chamber 14 are isolated from the surrounding ambient environment.
- the operation of the artificial olfactory system 10 is controlled by a central controller 30 which may be a dedicated unit or a programmable unit such as a personal computer.
- a central controller 30 which may be a dedicated unit or a programmable unit such as a personal computer.
- the cashier places a piece of produce 13 onto the produce scan surface 12.
- operator controls 32 available to the cashier, the cashier then initiates one cycle of operation for the artificial olfactory system 10.
- a scan control initiator 34 within the central controller 30 operates the aperture block motor control 26 and opens the aperture block mechanism 24 so that the apertures 22 below the produce 13 communicate with the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- the scan control initiator 34 also opens the control valve 20 for a brief active testing period of between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds, with the preferred duration being between one and two seconds.
- control valve 20 During the testing period when the control valve 20 is open, air is drawn into the sensor interaction chamber 14 for analysis. At the end of the brief testing period, the control valve 20 is closed and the aperture block motor control 26 is directed to close the aperture block mechanism 24 and again obstruct the apertures 22 in the produce scan surface 12.
- the sensor array 16 contains a plurality of gas sensors, wherein each of the gas sensors is designed to detect a specific type of gas or combination of gases.
- the gas sensors in the sensor array 16 are selected to detect the gases commonly found in the aromas of produce. Gas sensors capable of detecting non-organic gases would therefore not need to be used. However, in alternate applications such as drug detection or explosives detection, the gas sensors within the sensor array would be selected to be most sensitive to the materials being sought.
- the prior art is replete with gas sensors that are sensitive to different gases. Textbooks are even available on the subject as exemplified by the book SENSORS AND SENSORY SYSTEMS FOR AN ELECTRONIC NOSE, by Julian Gardner and Philip Bartlett, Kluwer Academic Publishers (1992). As such, the composition of the gas sensors for use in the sensor array 16 need not be set forth herein.
- the gas sensors selected for the sensor array 16 are selected to detect the range of gases commonly associated with produce 13.
- the gas sensors contained within the sensor array 16 therein produce an analog signal in response to the aroma filled air impinging upon the sensor array 16 within the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- an amplifier stage 36 is provided to amplify the analog signals generated by the gas sensors in the sensor array 16.
- the amplifier stage 36 serves two purposes. First, the amplifier stage 36 strips the analog gas sensor signals of the steady state response. Second, the amplifier stage embodies a high frequency cutoff filter. Conducting polymer gas sensors, such as those preferably used in the sensor array 16, are unlikely to respond on a time scale less than ten milliseconds. As such, an amplifier stage responsive to high frequencies would introduce noise into the analog signal. The use of a high frequency cutoff filter embodied within the amplifier stage 36, thereby prevents such noise from being experienced by the system.
- the amplifier stage 36 enables a fast transient response, produced by the gas sensors, to be isolated.
- the amplified analog signal for each of the gas sensors in the sensor array 16 is converted to corresponding digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter 38.
- the digital signals are read by the central controller 30, wherein the central controller 30 compiles an overall sensor pattern for the produce 13 being scanned, as is indicated by block 40.
- the sensor pattern generated for the produce 13 represents the olfactory fingerprint for that piece of produce.
- pattern recognition techniques are applied to the sensor pattern, wherein the sensor pattern is compared to sensor patterns stored in a memory 44. If a match is found between the sensor pattern in question and a known sensor pattern from memory 44, the produce 13 has been positively identified.
- the identity of the produce 13 can then be viewed by the cashier at a display 46 and/or the produce's identity can be read directly into the cashier's register.
- an optional temperature sensor 50 and humidity sensor 52 can be placed within the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- Many types of polymer coated quartz microbalance gas sensors, such as those preferably used within the sensor array 16, are sensitive to both changes in humidity and changes in temperature.
- the temperature and humidity of a grocery store remain fairly constant from hour to hour. However, the environmental stability of the ambient air does not translate into environmental stability within the sensor interaction chamber 14.
- Some produce is stored at ambient temperature. However, other produce is stored at refrigerated temperatures and may be periodically misted with water. When a refrigerated piece of produce 13 is placed on the produce scan surface 12, the produce 13 may be damp and/or condensation may form on the produce 13.
- the air when air is drawn past the produce 13 and into the sensor interaction chamber 14, the air would be colder and more humid than ambient air. As a result, the sensitivity of the sensor array 16 would change and the sensor pattern would change.
- the sensor pattern for a cold head of lettuce may therefore be significantly different from a head of lettuce at ambient temperature.
- the analog signals from the temperature sensor 50 and humidity sensor 52 are converted to digital signals and are read by the central controller 30.
- the central controller 30 can then modify the sensor pattern generated in view of temperature and/or humidity, prior to the sensor pattern being subjected to pattern recognition.
- the sensor pattern of a cold head of lettuce would be modified by the central controller 30 to be generally the same as that of a head of lettuce at ambient temperature.
- the memory 44 of sensor patterns stored by the central controller 30 may contain a plurality of sensor patterns for each different type of produce, wherein several of the sensor patterns represent the same piece of produce but at different temperatures and/or humidity levels.
- the central controller 30 matches the subject sensor pattern to the closest memory sensor pattern without having to alter the subject sensor pattern to compensate for temperature and humidity changes.
- the present invention olfactory system may be enabled to periodically establish a baseline or reference reading for the background odours surrounding the scan surface when no object is being identified.
- These background odours may include, for example, perfume or cologne worn by a checkout person or customer.
- the system is enabled to compensate for those odours already existing in the scan environment.
- the controller may then perform a subtraction of the background odour prior to comparison of the scan pattern of an object to be identified with a reference pattern.
- the background odour scan can be periodically adjusted, either automatically and/or as a manual operation in order to ensure accurate identifications of produce or other objects.
Abstract
An artificial olfactory system (10) and associated method for rapidly identifying an object (13) by its aroma. The artificial olfactory system includes a testing chamber (14) in which is disposed an array of gas sensors (16). The object to be identified is placed in close proximity to the testing chamber. The air pressure within the testing chamber is then lowered below ambient, thereby causing ambient air to flow past the object being identified and into the testing chamber. As air flows past the object being identified, the aroma of the object becomes mixed with the air and is carried into the testing chamber. Once within the testing chamber, the aroma/air mixture is exposed to the array of gas sensors. The gas sensors detect the levels of various gases comprising the aroma/air mixture and produce a sensor pattern capable of being identified using pattern recognition techniques.
Description
- The present invention relates to artificial olfactory systems that use gas sensor arrays to identify an object by the odour emitted by that object. More specifically, the present invention relates to artificial olfactory systems and methods that receive air from around an object to be identified and direct the air to a gas sensor array, thereby enabling the system to identify a variety of different objects.
- Artificial olfactory systems, sometimes referred to as electronic noses, utilize an array of gas sensors to detect the concentration of various gases being emitted by an object or composition. The aroma or scent of an item is typically unique to that item and serves as an olfactory fingerprint that can be used to identify that item. The aroma of an item is comprised of various gases mixed together in a unique combination. By exposing the aroma of an item to a gas sensor array, the concentrations of the various gases comprising the aroma can be quantified. By matching the detected gas concentrations to known standard models, the item can be identified.
- In the prior art, artificial olfactory systems are commercially available. The three largest manufacturers of such systems are Neotronics of Hertfordshire, Great Britain, ALPHA M.O.S., Inc. of DeMotte, Indiana and Aromascan Inc. of Hollis, New Hampshire. Commercial artificial olfactory systems are widely used by industry to provide quantifiable quality control parameters to aromatic products. For example, artificial olfactory systems are used by industry to identify if one batch of perfume smells the same as previous lots or if cheese has aged to the proper degree. With items such as perfume, wine and cheese that have strong aromas, the human nose is typically not sensitive enough to detect minor anomalies in the aromas from day to day. However, by using artificial olfactory systems, the aroma of these items can be quantified and scientifically analyzed. As such, minor anomalies can be detected and a higher degree of quality control can be maintained. Two examples of artificial olfactory systems being used to quantify the aroma of consumer products can be found in the following articles: SENSOR ARRAY RECOGNITION OF VARIETIES OF A SAME WINE by DiNatale et al., 8th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, and Eurosensors IX, Stockholm, Sweden June (1995); and SCREENING OF IRRADIATED TOMATOES BY MEANS OF AN ELECTRONIC NOSE, by Winquist et al., 8th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, and Eurosensors IX, Stockholm, Sweden June (1995).
- Commercial artificial olfactory systems currently available typically contain sample vessels into which the object to be tested is placed. The sensor array is then placed over the sample vessel. To begin a test, an aperture between the sample and the sensor array is opened. No movement of the air within the sample vessel is provided. Rather, such prior art artificial olfactory systems depend upon natural diffusion, wherein the aroma of the sample eventually fills the vessel and is detected by the sensor array. Such prior art artificial olfactory systems typically require a test period in the order of a few minutes. A testing time of a few minutes works well for companies that use artificial olfactory systems for quality control. When testing a batch of perfume, wine or cheese, time is not of the essence and a test that takes several minutes to complete is more than adequate. Furthermore, in testing items that have strong aromas, such as perfume, wine and cheese, there is little concern that within the test period of a few minutes, the aroma will diffuse through the testing chamber and adequate exposure will be provided to the sensor array.
- There exist many applications where the identification of items by an artificial olfactory system would be beneficial, however such applications may require identification on a scale of a few seconds rather than on a scale of a few minutes, thereby eliminating the use of traditional slow artificial olfactory systems. For example, in a grocery store, a customer may come to the cashier's counter with apples. The apples are not individually labelled, so it is difficult for the cashier to determine what type of apple is being bought. Since different types of apples have different prices, the cashier must determine the type of apple before the customer can pay for the apples. If an artificial olfactory system were available, the apples could be identified by their smell. However, such an artificial olfactory system would have to work rapidly and provide an identification in a matter of seconds rather than the current prior art testing rate which may take several minutes.
- Another application for an artificial olfactory system with a rapid response time would be at airport baggage inspection stations. At such inspection stations, pieces of luggage could be inspected by their aroma, thereby providing a means of detecting illegal drugs, explosives or other contraband. In such an application, the olfactory inspection would have to be complete in a matter of seconds for each piece of luggage.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an artificial olfactory system and method that can identify a wide variety of items in rapid succession, wherein the time required to identify any one item would only take a few seconds.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an object identification device characterized by a chamber that is positionable proximate an object to be identified, wherein the object has an aroma with a given composition; an array of sensors disposed within said chamber, wherein said array of sensors produces a humidity dependent sensor pattern for the aroma exposed to said array of sensors within said chamber that identifies at least some of the given composition of the aroma; negative pressure means, coupled to said chamber, for lowering pressure within said chamber and causing air to be drawn into said chamber past the object to be identified, wherein the air drawn into said chamber carries the aroma of the object to be identified and exposes the aroma to said array of sensors for analysis; a humidity sensor, disposed within said chamber, for measuring the humidity in said chamber while said humidity dependent sensor pattern is being produced; and a pattern recognition system, coupled to said humidity sensor, for identifying said humidity dependent sensor pattern produced by said array of sensors in said chamber at a measured humidity level, thereby accurately identifying the aroma.
- According to another aspect of the preesent invention there is provided a method of identifying an object by its aroma, characterized by the steps of positioning the object to be identified proximate a chamber containing a sensor array; lowering air pressure within said chamber during a test period so that the aroma of the object to be identified is drawn into said chamber; producing a sensor pattern for the aroma using said sensor array, wherein said sensor pattern is humidity dependent; measuring humidity in said chamber during said test period; and matching said sensor pattern to a known sensor pattern at the measured humidity, thereby identifying the object.
- One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating both the components of an artificial olfactory device and its method of operation. - Although the present invention artificial olfactory system and method can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as detecting drugs or explosives in luggage or packages, the present invention system and method are particularly well suited for use in identifying produce at a cashier's counter. Accordingly, the present invention artificial olfactory system and method will be described in an application involving a cashier's counter as the exemplary embodiment.
- Referring to Fig. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention artificial
olfactory system 10 is shown containing aproduce scan surface 12. Theproduce scan surface 12 is preferably positioned at the cashier's station and may be either an independent unit or may be built into the cashier's counter, as are traditional bar code scanners. Theproduce scan surface 12 covers asensor interaction chamber 14, in which is disposed at least onesensor array 16. Theproduce scan surface 12 is perforated, thereby enabling the aroma of a piece ofproduce 13 placed on theproduce scan surface 12 to be drawn into thesensor interaction chamber 14, as will later be explained. Anegative pressure source 18 is connected to thesensor interaction chamber 14, wherein thenegative pressure source 18 is selectively isolated from the air within thesensor interaction chamber 14 by acontrol valve 20. As would be understood, "negative pressure", as utilized herein, generally represents a pressure below that of ambient pressure. - When the
control valve 20 is open, thenegative pressure source 18 draws the air out of thesensor interaction chamber 14, thereby producing a negative pressure within thesensor interaction chamber 14. The negative pressure within thesensor interaction chamber 14 causes air to flow into thesensor interaction chamber 14, past theproduce 13 and through theapertures 22 in theproduce scan surface 12. As a result, the aroma of theproduce 13 on theproduce scan surface 12 is actively drawn into thesensor interaction chamber 14, wherein the drawn air is received by thesensor array 16. By using thenegative pressure source 18 to draw the aroma of theproduce 13 into thesensor interaction chamber 14, the artificialolfactory system 10 in essence sniffs theproduce 13 to optimize the sampling of the aroma by thesensor array 16 in a highly time efficient manner. By drawing the aroma of theproduce 13 into thesensor interaction chamber 14 in about one second, thesensor array 16 experiences a concentration of aroma that would take minutes to obtain by a prior art artificial olfactory system where no air flow is provided. - The
sensor interaction chamber 14 can be positioned at any point above, below or to the side of theproduce 13 being tested, provided the air drawn into thesensor interaction chamber 14 is drawn past theproduce 13. In the shown embodiment, thesensor array 16 is positioned below theproduce 13. In such an orientation, it is highly desirable to protect thesensor array 16 from debris, condensate, juices or other contaminants that may fall from theproduce 13. As a result, acontaminant shield 25 is provided within thesensor interaction chamber 14 that protects thesensor array 16 from any contaminants that may fall through theapertures 22 in theproduce scan surface 12. Thecontaminant shield 25 is disposed between thesensor array 16 and theproduce scan surface 12, preventing falling debris from contacting thesensor array 16. Thecontainment shield 25 also acts as an air flow baffle, helping to mix the incoming air and direct the incoming air toward thesensor array 16. Thecontaminant shield 25 should be easily removable or accessible to enable a person to periodically clean thecontaminant shield 25 and keep thecontaminant shield 25 odour free. - To prevent the contamination of the
sensor array 16 from airborne contaminants, anaperture block mechanism 24 can also be optionally provided. Theaperture block mechanism 24 can be any mechanism capable of selectively obstructing theapertures 22 in theproduce scan surface 12, thereby isolating thesensor array 16 within thesensor interaction chamber 14. In the shown embodiment, theaperture block mechanism 24 includes amotor control 26, wherein the operation of themotor control 26 causes theaperture block mechanism 24 to selectively open and close. When theaperture block mechanism 24 is open, air from around theproduce 13 is capable of being drawn into thesensor interaction chamber 14. Conversely, when theaperture block mechanism 24 is closed, the contents of thesensor interaction chamber 14 are isolated from the surrounding ambient environment. - The operation of the artificial
olfactory system 10 is controlled by acentral controller 30 which may be a dedicated unit or a programmable unit such as a personal computer. During operation, the cashier places a piece of produce 13 onto theproduce scan surface 12. Using operator controls 32 available to the cashier, the cashier then initiates one cycle of operation for the artificialolfactory system 10. Ascan control initiator 34 within thecentral controller 30 operates the apertureblock motor control 26 and opens theaperture block mechanism 24 so that theapertures 22 below theproduce 13 communicate with thesensor interaction chamber 14. Thescan control initiator 34 also opens thecontrol valve 20 for a brief active testing period of between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds, with the preferred duration being between one and two seconds. During the testing period when thecontrol valve 20 is open, air is drawn into thesensor interaction chamber 14 for analysis. At the end of the brief testing period, thecontrol valve 20 is closed and the apertureblock motor control 26 is directed to close theaperture block mechanism 24 and again obstruct theapertures 22 in theproduce scan surface 12. - During the brief testing period when air is drawn past the
produce 13 and into thesensor interaction chamber 14, thesensor array 16 is exposed to a fairly large volume of air containing the aroma of theproduce 13 placed upon theproduce scan surface 12. Thesensor array 16 contains a plurality of gas sensors, wherein each of the gas sensors is designed to detect a specific type of gas or combination of gases. In the shown embodiment of a produce identifier, the gas sensors in thesensor array 16 are selected to detect the gases commonly found in the aromas of produce. Gas sensors capable of detecting non-organic gases would therefore not need to be used. However, in alternate applications such as drug detection or explosives detection, the gas sensors within the sensor array would be selected to be most sensitive to the materials being sought. - The prior art is replete with gas sensors that are sensitive to different gases. Textbooks are even available on the subject as exemplified by the book SENSORS AND SENSORY SYSTEMS FOR AN ELECTRONIC NOSE, by Julian Gardner and Philip Bartlett, Kluwer Academic Publishers (1992). As such, the composition of the gas sensors for use in the
sensor array 16 need not be set forth herein. The gas sensors selected for thesensor array 16 are selected to detect the range of gases commonly associated withproduce 13. The gas sensors contained within thesensor array 16 therein produce an analog signal in response to the aroma filled air impinging upon thesensor array 16 within thesensor interaction chamber 14. The sensor arrays used in prior art artificial olfactory systems typically have a slow steady state response that works well given the long testing periods required by such prior art devices. In the shown embodiment of the artificialolfactory system 10, anamplifier stage 36 is provided to amplify the analog signals generated by the gas sensors in thesensor array 16. Theamplifier stage 36 serves two purposes. First, theamplifier stage 36 strips the analog gas sensor signals of the steady state response. Second, the amplifier stage embodies a high frequency cutoff filter. Conducting polymer gas sensors, such as those preferably used in thesensor array 16, are unlikely to respond on a time scale less than ten milliseconds. As such, an amplifier stage responsive to high frequencies would introduce noise into the analog signal. The use of a high frequency cutoff filter embodied within theamplifier stage 36, thereby prevents such noise from being experienced by the system. - The
amplifier stage 36 enables a fast transient response, produced by the gas sensors, to be isolated. The amplified analog signal for each of the gas sensors in thesensor array 16 is converted to corresponding digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter 38. The digital signals are read by thecentral controller 30, wherein thecentral controller 30 compiles an overall sensor pattern for theproduce 13 being scanned, as is indicated byblock 40. The sensor pattern generated for theproduce 13 represents the olfactory fingerprint for that piece of produce. As is indicated byblock 42, after a sensor pattern is generated, pattern recognition techniques are applied to the sensor pattern, wherein the sensor pattern is compared to sensor patterns stored in amemory 44. If a match is found between the sensor pattern in question and a known sensor pattern frommemory 44, theproduce 13 has been positively identified. The identity of theproduce 13 can then be viewed by the cashier at adisplay 46 and/or the produce's identity can be read directly into the cashier's register. - Techniques for identifying the sensor pattern produced by a gas sensor array by using pattern recognition techniques are well known in the art. Examples of articles illustrating such pattern recognition techniques include GAS IDENTIFICATION USING OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR GAS SENSOR ARRAY AND NEURAL-NETWORK PATTERN RECOGNITION by Hong et al., 8th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, and Eurosensors IX, Stockholm, Sweden (1995); and ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX GAS MIXTURES BY PATTERN RECOGNITION WITH POLYMER BASED QUARTZ MICROBALANCE SENSOR ARRAYS, by Kraus et al., 8th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors and Actuators, and Eurosensors IX, Stockholm, Sweden (1995). Any such prior art pattern recognition technique can be used in conjunction with the present invention artificial
olfactory system 10. - In Fig. 1, it can be seen that an
optional temperature sensor 50 andhumidity sensor 52 can be placed within thesensor interaction chamber 14. Many types of polymer coated quartz microbalance gas sensors, such as those preferably used within thesensor array 16, are sensitive to both changes in humidity and changes in temperature. The temperature and humidity of a grocery store remain fairly constant from hour to hour. However, the environmental stability of the ambient air does not translate into environmental stability within thesensor interaction chamber 14. Some produce is stored at ambient temperature. However, other produce is stored at refrigerated temperatures and may be periodically misted with water. When a refrigerated piece ofproduce 13 is placed on theproduce scan surface 12, theproduce 13 may be damp and/or condensation may form on theproduce 13. As a result, when air is drawn past theproduce 13 and into thesensor interaction chamber 14, the air would be colder and more humid than ambient air. As a result, the sensitivity of thesensor array 16 would change and the sensor pattern would change. The sensor pattern for a cold head of lettuce may therefore be significantly different from a head of lettuce at ambient temperature. - In the shown embodiment, the analog signals from the
temperature sensor 50 andhumidity sensor 52 are converted to digital signals and are read by thecentral controller 30. Thecentral controller 30 can then modify the sensor pattern generated in view of temperature and/or humidity, prior to the sensor pattern being subjected to pattern recognition. As a result, the sensor pattern of a cold head of lettuce would be modified by thecentral controller 30 to be generally the same as that of a head of lettuce at ambient temperature. Alternatively, thememory 44 of sensor patterns stored by thecentral controller 30 may contain a plurality of sensor patterns for each different type of produce, wherein several of the sensor patterns represent the same piece of produce but at different temperatures and/or humidity levels. During pattern recognition, thecentral controller 30 then matches the subject sensor pattern to the closest memory sensor pattern without having to alter the subject sensor pattern to compensate for temperature and humidity changes. - In an effort to further improve the accuracy of identifications, the present invention olfactory system may be enabled to periodically establish a baseline or reference reading for the background odours surrounding the scan surface when no object is being identified. These background odours may include, for example, perfume or cologne worn by a checkout person or customer. By establishing an initial background reference pattern for the scanning environment prior to making actual identifications, the system is enabled to compensate for those odours already existing in the scan environment. In order to compensate for the background odours, the controller may then perform a subtraction of the background odour prior to comparison of the scan pattern of an object to be identified with a reference pattern. As would be understood, the background odour scan can be periodically adjusted, either automatically and/or as a manual operation in order to ensure accurate identifications of produce or other objects.
Claims (10)
- An object identification device (10), characterized by:a chamber (14) that is positionable proximate an object (13) to be identified, wherein the object has an aroma with a given composition;an array of sensors (16) disposed within said chamber, wherein said array of sensors produces a humidity dependent sensor pattern for the aroma exposed to said array of sensors within said chamber that identifies at least some of the given composition of the aroma;negative pressure means (18), coupled to said chamber, for lowering pressure within said chamber and causing air to be drawn into said chamber past the object to be identified, wherein the air drawn into said chamber carries the aroma of the object to be identified and exposes the aroma to said array of sensors for analysis;a humidity sensor (52), disposed within said chamber, for measuring the humidity in said chamber while said humidity dependent sensor pattern is being produced; anda pattern recognition system (30), coupled to said humidity sensor, for identifying said humidity dependent sensor pattern produced by said array of sensors in said chamber at a measured humidity level, thereby accurately identifying the aroma.
- An object identification device according to claim 1, characterized by a flow control valve (20), disposed between said chamber (14) and said negative pressure means (18), for selectively regulating air flow between said chamber and said negative pressure means.
- An object identification device according to claim 2, characterized by a controller (30) for controlling said flow control valve (20), wherein said controller opens said flow control valve for a test period, thereby enabling the aroma from the object (13) to be drawn into said chamber (14) and exposed to said array of sensors (16) for the duration of said test period.
- An object identification device according to claim 3, characterized in that said test period is between 0.5 seconds and 5.0 seconds with the preferred duration being between 1 second and 2 seconds.
- An object identification device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said sensor pattern produced by said array of sensors (16) varies with temperature and said device further includes a temperature sensor (50), disposed within said chamber (14) and said pattern recognition system (30), for providing said pattern recognition system with the temperature at which said sensor pattern was produced.
- An object identification device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said chamber (14) includes at least one open surface (12,22), exposed to the object (13) to be identified, through which air is drawn into said chamber.
- An object identification device according to claim 6, characterized by a closure means (24) for selectively closing said at least one open surface (12,22) and isolating said chamber (14), wherein said closure means retains said at least one open surface in a closed condition at all times other than during said test period when the aroma of the object (13) to be identified is drawn into said chamber.
- An object identification device according to any preceding claim, characterized by an amplifying means (36) disposed between said sensor array (16) and said pattern recognition system (30), said amplifying means serving to remove the steady state response from signals generated by said sensor array, and acting as a high frequency cutoff filter.
- A method of identifying an object (13) by its aroma, characterized by the steps of:positioning the object to be identified proximate a chamber (14) containing a sensor array (16);lowering air pressure within said chamber during a test period so that the aroma of the object to be identified is drawn into said chamber;producing a sensor pattern for the aroma using said sensor array, wherein said sensor pattern is humidity dependent;measuring humidity in said chamber during said test period; andmatching said sensor pattern to a known sensor pattern at the measured humidity, thereby identifying the object.
- A method according to claim 9, further characterized by the steps of:periodically establishing a sensor pattern for background odours surrounding said chamber (14) when no object is being identified; andsubtracting said sensor pattern of said background odours from said sensor pattern for the aroma of an object (13) prior to comparison with said known sensor pattern.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US599572 | 1996-02-09 | ||
US08/599,572 US5675070A (en) | 1996-02-09 | 1996-02-09 | Olfatory sensor identification system and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0789239A1 true EP0789239A1 (en) | 1997-08-13 |
Family
ID=24400181
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP97300704A Withdrawn EP0789239A1 (en) | 1996-02-09 | 1997-02-04 | Olfactory sensor identification system and method |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5675070A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0789239A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH09222405A (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2348009A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-20 | Marconi Applied Technologies | Chemical sensing system with multiple location sampling |
GB2348010A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-20 | Marconi Applied Techn Ltd | Modular chemical sensing system with sensor array |
WO2001033212A2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2001-05-10 | Cyrano Sciences, Inc. | Method and computer code for portable sensing |
US6606566B1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2003-08-12 | Steven A. Sunshine | Computer code for portable sensing |
US6978212B1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2005-12-20 | Smiths Detection Inc. | System for portable sensing |
WO2006125848A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2006-11-30 | Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas | Automatic system for the continuous analysis of the evolution of wine |
CN104535618A (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2015-04-22 | 天津大学 | White spirit recognition method based on electric nose technology |
US20210341444A1 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2021-11-04 | Calyx, Inc. | Gas sampling with controlled humidity |
Families Citing this family (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5571401A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1996-11-05 | California Institute Of Technology | Sensor arrays for detecting analytes in fluids |
US5951846A (en) * | 1995-03-27 | 1999-09-14 | California Institute Of Technology | Sensor arrays for detecting analytes in fluids |
EP0878711A1 (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1998-11-18 | Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum Vzw | Chemically sensitive sensor comprising arylene alkenylene oligomers |
GB9709840D0 (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1997-07-09 | Sinclair Int Ltd | Assessment of the condition of fruit and vegetables |
ATE396395T1 (en) | 1997-06-30 | 2008-06-15 | California Inst Of Techn | SENSORS MADE WITH VARIOUS POLYMER COMPOSITIONS AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF |
JP4482228B2 (en) * | 1998-04-09 | 2010-06-16 | カリフォルニア・インスティテュート・オブ・テクノロジー | Electronic technology for analyte detection |
US6461306B1 (en) | 1998-06-15 | 2002-10-08 | The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania | Diagnosing intrapulmonary infection and analyzing nasal sample |
JP4210891B2 (en) | 1998-06-23 | 2009-01-21 | イトーエンジニアリング有限会社 | Highly reliable odor communication system in multimedia |
EP1099103B1 (en) * | 1998-07-23 | 2011-07-20 | Milton Roy Company | Apparatus for determining oder levels in gas streams |
US6155489A (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-12-05 | Ncr Corporation | Item checkout device including a bar code data collector and a produce data collector |
US6332573B1 (en) | 1998-11-10 | 2001-12-25 | Ncr Corporation | Produce data collector and produce recognition system |
EP1151272B1 (en) | 1998-11-16 | 2009-09-30 | California Institute of Technology | Simultaneous determination of equilibrium and kinetic properties |
EP1192454B1 (en) * | 1999-05-10 | 2006-03-01 | California Institute of Technology | Use of spatiotemporal response behavior in sensor arrays to detect analytes in fluids |
DK1194762T3 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2006-02-20 | Smiths Detection Inc | Multiple sensor system and device |
WO2001007907A1 (en) | 1999-07-23 | 2001-02-01 | Cyrano Sciences, Inc. | Food applications of artificial olfactometry |
US6431446B1 (en) | 1999-07-28 | 2002-08-13 | Ncr Corporation | Produce recognition system and method |
DE60113073T2 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2006-08-31 | Smiths Detection Inc., Pasadena | CONTROL FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS WITH ONE OR MULTIPLE MULTIDIMENSIONAL VARIABLES |
US6895338B2 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2005-05-17 | Smiths Detection - Pasadena, Inc. | Measuring and analyzing multi-dimensional sensory information for identification purposes |
US6411905B1 (en) * | 2000-07-18 | 2002-06-25 | The Governors Of The University Of Alberta | Method and apparatus for estimating odor concentration using an electronic nose |
WO2002022075A2 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2002-03-21 | Electro-Optics Research & Development Ltd. | Odors discrimination based on spectral signatures |
US6494833B1 (en) | 2001-06-19 | 2002-12-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Conditioning apparatus for a chemical sensing instrument |
US7071437B2 (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2006-07-04 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System for detecting the presence of harmful materials in an incoming mail stream |
US6740836B2 (en) | 2001-12-31 | 2004-05-25 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System and method for outsorting suspect mail from an incoming mail stream |
US6905661B2 (en) | 2001-12-31 | 2005-06-14 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | System for sanitizing and sorting mail |
US20030124039A1 (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2003-07-03 | Ryan William E. | System for sanitizing incoming mail |
AU2003242349A1 (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2003-12-12 | National Institute Of Advanced Industrial Science And Technology | Sense evaluating system, sense evaluating method, and stimulation preparing method |
US6994777B2 (en) * | 2002-09-04 | 2006-02-07 | Lynntech, Inc. | Chemical sensors utilizing conducting polymer compositions |
EP1555996A2 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2005-07-27 | Euro-Celtique | Pharmaceutical identification |
US7108190B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2006-09-19 | Appleton Papers Inc. | Token array and method employing authentication tokens bearing scent formulation information |
JP4335154B2 (en) * | 2003-05-20 | 2009-09-30 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Laser processing equipment |
US20050016276A1 (en) * | 2003-06-06 | 2005-01-27 | Palo Alto Sensor Technology Innovation | Frequency encoding of resonant mass sensors |
US20040251309A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-16 | Appleton Papers Inc. | Token bearing magnetc image information in registration with visible image information |
US7010956B2 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2006-03-14 | Michael S. Head | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
US7774096B2 (en) | 2003-12-31 | 2010-08-10 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Apparatus for dispensing and identifying product in washrooms |
US7531137B2 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2009-05-12 | Honeywell International Inc. | Substance detection system |
US8152992B2 (en) * | 2004-08-31 | 2012-04-10 | University Of Maryland | Cell-based sensing: biological transduction of chemical stimuli to electrical signals (nose-on-a-chip) |
JP2008517276A (en) * | 2004-10-15 | 2008-05-22 | ユニヴァースティ オブ ヴァージニア パテント ファウンデイション | Remote sensor and field sensor system and related methods for improved detection of chemicals in the atmosphere |
WO2006058312A2 (en) * | 2004-11-29 | 2006-06-01 | Arthur Jones T Jr | Apparatus and method of contaminant detection for food industry |
US7905154B2 (en) * | 2004-11-29 | 2011-03-15 | Jones Jr Arthur T | Apparatus and method of contaminant detection for food industry |
US8006542B2 (en) | 2004-12-29 | 2011-08-30 | Jones Jr Arthur T | Method for contaminant detection using an odor marker |
US20090030655A1 (en) * | 2005-03-21 | 2009-01-29 | Lewin Gregory C | Analysis Methods for unmixing the response of non-linear, cross-reactive sensors and related system to single and multiple stimulants |
WO2007089804A2 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2007-08-09 | University Of Virginia Patent Foundation | Method and system for operating in-situ (sampling) chemical sensors |
GB0613165D0 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2006-08-09 | Univ Warwick | Real-time infrared measurement and imaging system |
US20110203931A1 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2011-08-25 | Enertechnix, Inc | Particle Interrogation Devices and Methods |
US8561486B2 (en) * | 2009-07-13 | 2013-10-22 | Enertechnix, Inc | Particle interrogation devices and methods |
US9412050B2 (en) * | 2010-10-12 | 2016-08-09 | Ncr Corporation | Produce recognition method |
JP2013057510A (en) * | 2011-09-06 | 2013-03-28 | Ishida Co Ltd | Article examination apparatus |
US10383709B2 (en) | 2012-10-12 | 2019-08-20 | Nobel Biocare Services Ag | Dental bar |
US9280681B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-03-08 | Leeo, Inc. | Environmental monitoring device |
US20140279574A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Leeo, Inc. | Environmental measurement display system and method |
US20150021465A1 (en) * | 2013-07-16 | 2015-01-22 | Leeo, Inc. | Electronic device with environmental monitoring |
US9116137B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-08-25 | Leeo, Inc. | Selective electrical coupling based on environmental conditions |
US10220109B2 (en) | 2014-04-18 | 2019-03-05 | Todd H. Becker | Pest control system and method |
US9474824B2 (en) | 2014-04-18 | 2016-10-25 | Thomas A. Conroy | Method and system of identifying tampering in a scent management system |
US9213327B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-12-15 | Leeo, Inc. | Selective electrical coupling based on environmental conditions |
US9170625B1 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2015-10-27 | Leeo, Inc. | Selective electrical coupling based on environmental conditions |
US9372477B2 (en) | 2014-07-15 | 2016-06-21 | Leeo, Inc. | Selective electrical coupling based on environmental conditions |
US9092060B1 (en) | 2014-08-27 | 2015-07-28 | Leeo, Inc. | Intuitive thermal user interface |
US10304123B2 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2019-05-28 | Leeo, Inc. | Environmental monitoring device with event-driven service |
US9445451B2 (en) | 2014-10-20 | 2016-09-13 | Leeo, Inc. | Communicating arbitrary attributes using a predefined characteristic |
US10026304B2 (en) | 2014-10-20 | 2018-07-17 | Leeo, Inc. | Calibrating an environmental monitoring device |
US10805775B2 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2020-10-13 | Jon Castor | Electronic-device detection and activity association |
US9801013B2 (en) | 2015-11-06 | 2017-10-24 | Leeo, Inc. | Electronic-device association based on location duration |
CN109789232A (en) | 2016-08-03 | 2019-05-21 | T·H·贝克利 | The method and system of networking odour diffusing device |
CN106950254B (en) * | 2017-05-08 | 2023-11-10 | 吉林大学 | Bionic electronic nose cavity imitating pig nasal cavity turbinate and shark skin structure |
JP2019113419A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-07-11 | 太陽誘電株式会社 | Sensing system, vehicle, program, information processor, method for processing information, and sensor device |
WO2020161917A1 (en) | 2019-02-08 | 2020-08-13 | 株式会社アロマビット | Odor search method and odor search system |
DE102019113539B9 (en) * | 2019-05-21 | 2021-12-02 | Tdk Corporation | Method and device for operating a multi-gas sensor |
US10891455B1 (en) * | 2019-09-27 | 2021-01-12 | Ncr Corporation | Produce identification methods and device |
US11054347B1 (en) * | 2019-12-31 | 2021-07-06 | X Development Llc | Enhanced gas sensor selectivity |
US11353381B1 (en) * | 2020-06-09 | 2022-06-07 | Applied Materials, Inc. | Portable disc to measure chemical gas contaminants within semiconductor equipment and clean room |
CN113267533B (en) * | 2021-05-18 | 2022-10-14 | 浙江大学 | Device and method for dynamically monitoring VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) on line by self-calibration gas sensor array |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5355739A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1994-10-18 | University Of Central Florida | Apparatus for measuring gas emission rate from soil |
WO1995008113A1 (en) * | 1993-09-17 | 1995-03-23 | Alpha M.O.S | Methods and devices for the detection of odorous substances and applications |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3428892A (en) * | 1965-09-20 | 1969-02-18 | James E Meinhard | Electronic olfactory detector having organic semiconductor barrier layer structure |
GB1454602A (en) * | 1974-05-02 | 1976-11-03 | Jenkins A | Apparatus for checking the contents of closed containers |
US4111036A (en) * | 1974-07-29 | 1978-09-05 | The Board Of Regents For Education Of The State Of Rhode Island | Piezoelectric probe for detection and measurement of gaseous pollutants |
US4476169A (en) * | 1981-06-23 | 1984-10-09 | Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. | Multilayer glass structure |
WO1987000634A1 (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1987-01-29 | Hoelter Heinz | Process for detecting toxic matter in air which enters a cabin o r similar enclosure where persons are present |
US4770027A (en) * | 1986-03-24 | 1988-09-13 | Katuo Ehara | Method of measuring concentrations of odors and a device therefor |
US5092156A (en) * | 1987-07-08 | 1992-03-03 | Thermedics Inc. | Vapor collector/desorber with tube bundle and metal foil |
US4909089A (en) * | 1988-11-18 | 1990-03-20 | Thermedics Inc. | Walk-in inspection apparatus for producing air samples |
US5047214A (en) * | 1989-03-08 | 1991-09-10 | New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. | Smell sensing element and smell sensing device |
US4909090A (en) * | 1989-04-24 | 1990-03-20 | Thermedics Inc. | Vapor sampling probe |
JP2562504B2 (en) * | 1989-12-27 | 1996-12-11 | 全国生コンクリート工業組合連合会 | Method for measuring the amount of admixture in uncured concrete |
US5177994A (en) * | 1991-05-22 | 1993-01-12 | Suntory Limited And Tokyo Institute Of Technology | Odor sensing system |
US5269169A (en) * | 1992-12-09 | 1993-12-14 | International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. | Method and apparatus for simultaneously analyzing aroma emitted from the interior and exterior of living fruit |
US5400641A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1995-03-28 | Advanced Optical Controls, Inc. | Transformer oil gas extractor |
US5479815A (en) * | 1994-02-24 | 1996-01-02 | Kraft Foods, Inc. | Method and apparatus for measuring volatiles released from food products |
US5426071A (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1995-06-20 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Polyimide copolymer film for lift-off metallization |
US5554273A (en) * | 1995-07-26 | 1996-09-10 | Praxair Technology, Inc. | Neural network compensation for sensors |
-
1996
- 1996-02-09 US US08/599,572 patent/US5675070A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-02-04 EP EP97300704A patent/EP0789239A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-02-07 JP JP9025319A patent/JPH09222405A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5355739A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1994-10-18 | University Of Central Florida | Apparatus for measuring gas emission rate from soil |
WO1995008113A1 (en) * | 1993-09-17 | 1995-03-23 | Alpha M.O.S | Methods and devices for the detection of odorous substances and applications |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
---|
EVOR L. HINES ET AL.: "An artificial neural emulator for an odour sensor array", SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B, vol. B19, no. 1/3, April 1994 (1994-04-01), LAUSANNE CH, pages 661 - 664, XP000449926 * |
P. CORCORAN: "Electronic odour sensing systems", ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING JOURNAL, vol. 5, no. 5, October 1993 (1993-10-01), LONDON GB, pages 303 - 308, XP000435448 * |
TOYOSAKA MORIIZUMI, ET AL.: "Odor Sensing System Using Neural Network Pattern Recognition", IEEE PROC. OF THE 1992 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS, CONTROL, INSTRUMENTATION, AND AUTOMATION, vol. 3 of 3, 9 November 1992 (1992-11-09) - 13 November 1992 (1992-11-13), MARRIOT MISSION VALLEY / SAN DIEGO, USA, pages 1645 - 1649, XP000378731 * |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2348010B (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2003-04-09 | Marconi Applied Techn Ltd | Chemical sensor systems |
GB2348010A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-20 | Marconi Applied Techn Ltd | Modular chemical sensing system with sensor array |
GB2348009A (en) * | 1999-03-05 | 2000-09-20 | Marconi Applied Technologies | Chemical sensing system with multiple location sampling |
US6820012B2 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2004-11-16 | Smiths Detection-Pasadena, Inc. | Computer code for portable sensing |
WO2001033212A3 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2002-10-10 | Cyrano Sciences Inc | Method and computer code for portable sensing |
US6606566B1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2003-08-12 | Steven A. Sunshine | Computer code for portable sensing |
WO2001033212A2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2001-05-10 | Cyrano Sciences, Inc. | Method and computer code for portable sensing |
US6978212B1 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2005-12-20 | Smiths Detection Inc. | System for portable sensing |
US7248972B2 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2007-07-24 | Smiths Detection, Inc. | Computer code for portable sensing |
WO2006125848A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2006-11-30 | Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas | Automatic system for the continuous analysis of the evolution of wine |
ES2268973A1 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2007-03-16 | Consejo Superior Investig. Cientificas | Automatic system for the continuous analysis of the evolution of wine |
CN104535618A (en) * | 2014-12-30 | 2015-04-22 | 天津大学 | White spirit recognition method based on electric nose technology |
US20210341444A1 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2021-11-04 | Calyx, Inc. | Gas sampling with controlled humidity |
US11808745B2 (en) * | 2018-08-09 | 2023-11-07 | Calyx, Inc. | Gas sampling with controlled humidity |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH09222405A (en) | 1997-08-26 |
US5675070A (en) | 1997-10-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5675070A (en) | Olfatory sensor identification system and method | |
US5801297A (en) | Methods and devices for the detection of odorous substances and applications | |
Rajamäki et al. | Application of an electronic nose for quality assessment of modified atmosphere packaged poultry meat | |
Penza et al. | Application of principal component analysis and artificial neural networks to recognize the individual VOCs of methanol/2-propanol in a binary mixture by SAW multi-sensor array | |
EP0239233B1 (en) | A method of measuring concentrations of odors and a device therefor | |
Capone et al. | Monitoring of rancidity of milk by means of an electronic nose and a dynamic PCA analysis | |
EP0317299B1 (en) | Odor identifying apparatus and method | |
US6439026B2 (en) | Odor measuring apparatus | |
Martı́n et al. | Classification of vegetable oils by linear discriminant analysis of electronic nose data | |
Goschnick et al. | Water pollution recognition with the electronic nose KAMINA | |
JPH05504410A (en) | Gas sample analysis method, analysis device, and test equipment using the device | |
Ahmadou et al. | Reduction of drift impact in gas sensor response to improve quantitative odor analysis | |
Zhong | Electronic nose for food sensory evaluation | |
Romain et al. | Three years experiment with the same tin oxide sensor arrays for the identification of malodorous sources in the environment | |
EP0990131B1 (en) | Moisture analyzer | |
Hamacher et al. | Online measurement of odorous gases close to the odour threshold with a QMB sensor system with an integrated preconcentration unit | |
JPH10170422A (en) | Composite odor sensor | |
Pohle et al. | Fire detection with low power fet gas sensors | |
Reibel et al. | Gas analysis with SAW sensor systems | |
WO2002022075A2 (en) | Odors discrimination based on spectral signatures | |
Haeringer et al. | Characterization of smelling contaminations on textiles using a gradient microarray as an electronic nose | |
Suthagar et al. | Determination of apple, lemon, and banana ripening stages using electronic nose and image processing | |
JPH0575265B2 (en) | ||
Delpha et al. | An electronic nose for the identification of Forane R134a in an air conditioned atmosphere | |
Nicolas et al. | Chemometrics methods for the identification and the monitoring of an odour in the environement with an electronic nose |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): DE FR GB |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19980213 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20000522 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20001202 |